Cruising to Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote tourist information.

Lanzarote is a small volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco. The island, part of the Canary Islands archipelago, is a popular holiday destination for Europeans who come here to bask in the sun and explore the extraordinary volcanic landscapes. From the air, Lanzarote looks like a chain of volcanic cones, an inhospitable island composed of endless fields of lava rocks but look closer and you’ll find charming white-washed villages, verdant valleys, towering cliffs, beautiful beaches and deserted coves.

When you visit Lanzarote they are many attractions that you may wish to visit, some of these include the Aqua Park, Timanfaya National Park (including Fire Mountain), Cesar Manrique and much more.

Timanfaya National Park

Which is host to Fire Mountain is the main attraction for people to visit when in Lanzarote. This massive Volcano erupted in 1730 and lasted 6 years till 1736. It’s also classed as the closet to the Moons surface as you will find on earth. The boundary to the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya is marked by a sign carrying the mischievous El Diablo (The devil) logo – designed by César Manrique. Shortly afterwards, you will pass the camel park Echadero de los Camellos, from where a 20-minute ride on a dromedary will take you around the outer reaches of the Timanfaya National Park, should you wish to experience this interesting way of travelling! Near the camel station is the small geological museum Museo de Rocas, which exhibits rock samples from the park.

César Manrique

Cesar Manrique’s home, built into the boulders in a lava field, is now a foundation dedicated to his life and work. The ground floor is an exhibition space with works by his renowned contemporaries, including Tàpies, Millares, Picasso and Saura, but it is the view framed by the huge windows that draws the eye. Basalt steps lead down to a turquoise pool and five lava bubbles linked by passages in the volcanic rock.

Markets in Lanzarote

The island’s ever expanding roster of markets are well worth a visit. From the huge Sunday special at Teguise to the smaller more natural affair in Haria, this can be an interesting way to see the island.

Jameos del Agua

The Jameos is a striking combination of geology, architecture and design. The island’s most famous architect, Cesar Manrique, built a visitor centre complete with a restaurant, bar, one of the most amazing auditoriums I’ve ever seen and a museum inside what used to be a gigantic lava tube. Plan a visit in the morning to avoid the crowds. Look for the little white crabs in the cave.